Friend spots suspected home burglar and calls 911, keeping him in sight until deputies arrive

JEROME TOWNSHIP, MI — A 45-year-old man Farwell man was arrested, and police have recommended criminal charges related to a break-in at a Jerome Township residence.

Police were called about 1:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, to the residence after a friend of the homeowner was returning some borrowed property to the home and came upon a wallet lying on the ground that belonged to the homeowner, Midland County Sheriff Scott Stephenson reports.

The friend contacted the homeowner, who informed him that the wallet had been left inside the Midland County residence, police said.

While checking the residence for signs of a break-in, the homeowner's friend noticed a person walking near the house carrying a bag. The friend called 911 and kept the person in sight until deputies arrived.

Deputies made contact with the suspect and obtained a handgun, jewelry and currency that were taken from the residence, police said.

He was lodged in the Midland County Jail, and police recommended that the prosecutor's office issue charges of breaking and entering, possession of stolen property and felon in possession of a firearm.